Dan Campbell has proven to be an ideal fit as head coach of the Detroit Lions. After guiding the team to a record-setting 15-2 season, Campbell is finally earning the respect of the NFL for his work.
Not only has Campbell revitalized the Lions, but he has also connected with countless fans in Metro Detroit who were previously disillusioned with the team’s performance. This renewed energy has caught the attention of former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd earlier this week, Hasselbeck endorsed Campbell’s role, highlighting his connection to the city beyond the football field.
> “Their style of play, their identity, their head coach’s personality—who he is at the podium—resonates with the city, resonates with Detroit. We’re a tough city. We’re a blue-collar city. We’re not like everybody else. We’re built—I don’t want to say ‘Ford tough,’ but it’s kind of that mindset, and I think it matters.
> Dan Campbell’s not just some tough guy, though. He’s a guy that played for (Bill) Parcells. He coached for Sean Payton for a long time, and Payton loves him. So he’s not just some meathead. He’s a guy that weathered the storms. He’s pretty smart. He’s been around Hall of Fame-type coaching.
> He was the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Do I think he would have been the perfect head coach for the Miami Dolphins? No. Do I think he’s the perfect head coach for the Detroit Lions? Yes. Honestly, just like the synergy of your castoff quarterback—just that toughness, that grittiness, that resilience—it all fits together with what they got.”
While Campbell has benefited from learning under great coaches and has now established himself, there’s still room for growth.
Hasselbeck Believes Dan Campbell Must Improve in a Key Area
Campbell has elevated the Lions to unprecedented heights, but the team’s goals now extend beyond simply making the playoffs or winning the NFC North. With aspirations of reaching and winning the Super Bowl, Hasselbeck believes Campbell must refine one key aspect of his approach.
> “The danger for him? He’s got to learn how to be tough and physical and all that and still survive these long seasons. You don’t want to be limping into the Super Bowl, right? I don’t know if you call it load management, but you got to practice smart and you have to coach smart from an injury standpoint. That remains to be seen if they can do that.”
During the Lions’ bye week, Campbell has eased up, giving players multiple days off while stating his goal to “keep the engine idling.” Still, Hasselbeck’s critique holds weight.
Campbell’s reluctance to rest starters in “meaningless” games, like last year’s Week 17 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, has raised concerns. Similarly, his tendency to keep starters on the field during blowouts has sparked questions about unnecessary injury risks.
Hasselbeck suggests Campbell needs to adjust his philosophy in these scenarios, and there are signs that he may be starting to do so.
